StampSelector is an online philatelic investment and stamp market resource, providing practical information for stamp collectors, stamp dealers, and investors. This includes stamp investment tips, general commentary on the stamp market, and practical advice regarding building a stamp collection and profiting from philately.

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Between 1932 and '46, New Zealand issued three similar Scenes sets for its dependency, the Cook Islands. I've listed these sets, along with printing quantity information and Scott '13 values for unused, below:

All of these attractive sets should do well based on their appeal to British Commonwealth collectors and demand from New Zealand.

While the population of the Cook Islands (about 20,000) is probably too low to sustain much of a stamp collecting population, there is significant demand for its stamps among collectors of British Commonwealth in general and in New Zealand in particular, because the islands were a dependency of New Zealand for many years, and still have strong links to that nation.

New Zealand is a modern, prosperous nation of about 4.3 million people, with a GDP of $115 billion. Over the last 10 years, annual GDP growth has averaged about 3%. The economy was hurt by the recent global financial crisis, and is beginning to recover. In 2005, the World Bank praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly nation in the world. The nation has a stamp collecting demographic similar to Great Britain's, and the demand for better material should increase dramatically as population aging accelerates. The percentage of New Zealanders aged 60 and over will rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

This article was published in the “Pacific Stamp Review”, a New Zealand monthly stamp magazine, in February, 1947. The article is by a generalist collector, who was concerned about the future of the state of philately in the post War period.

It is interesting because of the author's anti-topicalist stance. The author believes that topical, or thematic collecting, represents a devolution which threatens the more scholarly approach to the hobby.

* * *
Philately in the Doldrums? (1947)

by M.T. Johnson

Lennie Lower, present-day doyen of Australian humourists, once said that a couple of handfuls of salt make all the difference to a stew. “Just what has this to do with philately?” I can hear someone say. If you will only bear with me a little while longer I will endeavour to show you.

The hobby of stamp collecting (or, if you prefer it, philately) is fast approaching a phase, which is so detrimental to its well-being, that it is about time someone threw into it a few handfuls of philatelic salt By this I mean that something should be done, and that immediately, to stem the craze of what has been termed “type collecting.” Too many philatelic societies are, in these days, featuring his type of display instead of the good old “meaty” displays of specific countries, or groups of countries. Philately is at the crossroads, and unless the matter is taken in hand, philatelists will be as distinct as the dodo in twenty-five or thirty years.

One sees nowadays collections of ships, birds, beasts, fishes etc. True, the majority of persons who form these type collections are also real philatelists, who have specialised in a certain country or in a particular issue. They have only taken up this form of collecting as a sideline, and I see nothing wrong with that. But what of the young collector who remarked after seeing a well-known collection of ships on stamps, “Gee! I think I’ll quit my Australian collection and collect ships on stamps!”

That is, sad to relate, the opinion of not a few of today’s young collectors: collectors who should be the philatelists of tomorrow. What will happen to philately when the older stalwarts pass on? Will the younger generation be qualified to carry on in a creditable manner? Not if they begin by forming a “type” collection. Someone will argue, “But surely one can collect just what one fancies?” Certainly. That’s where the “snag” comes in. But if the present trend continues I still ask, “Where will the future philatelists come from?

There must be a reason for this slap-happy method of collecting, so let us try and find this reason. When people first started to collect stamps they had in mind the acquiring of as many different specimens as possible. As the issues became more and more numerous it was found impossible to try and cope with them all, so they resorted to various well-known methods of restricting their collecting interests. It was round about this period that philately was born, because with their narrowed fields collectors began to study their stamps more fully specialised listings have been greatly enlarged upon, until today some of them are so formidable that they deter all but the stout-hearted. This, then, may be one reason. Is the aforementioned “stage of evolution” being seen in reverse? It seems so.

Another reason may be this: the modern trend of pictorial stamp designing, with its almost technicolour methods of printing. I consider this to be the most significant factor of all. The modern bi- and multi-coloured stamps lend themselves admirably to the treatment of subjects most suitable for inclusion in one of the collections under discussion, and not unnaturally appeal to the beginner. But why not specialise in any chosen “favourite country” and reserve these “subjects” collections purely as a sideline? It can be done and it out to be done. One of the finest collections of the specialised type is owned by a prominent Auckland philatelist. I refer to Mr. Reg Walker and his collection of New Zealand Pigeon Post issues. This collection is the finest of these issues in existence. But Mr. Walker also formed a sideline collection, which he calls an “Educational Collection,” and anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing this amazing collection of facts will agree that almost everything in philately is included. The point I wish to make is this: here we have an eminent philatelist forming a sideline collection, but only after he had formed a specialised collection, which is second to none of its kind.

Here’s another point. As much as we would like to ignore the monetary side of the hobby, it would be foolish to pretend that collections are not formed without some idea of resale value. Surely these collections of, say, animals, have not the resale value of George V British Colonials. Most of the stamps, which go to make up these collections, are of the commoner varieties, and the remainder generally unwanted except in complete sets.

Then there is the question of annotating these collections adequately and correctly. In the case of animals, birds, etc., it is impossible to do justice to the stamps and at the same time to suitably annotate them with the available information pertaining to each subject. Take the kiwi for instance. The bird would look lonesome on the page all by itself, plus the voluminous notes, which would be required to “write it up” fully.

If the present vicious trend continues it is difficult to imagine just what a stamp catalogue will look like in about forty years time. Imagine having on your bookshelf “Pim’s Catalogue, Section I Mammalia” or Section II Ichthyology” or even Section III Ships: From the Ark to the Lakatoi.” What sort of establishment would Pim & Company (N.Z.) Ltd., have then? Fancy going up to a young lady and requesting a stamp from Tannou Touva depicting a yak. She would most probably say. “A yak? That’s an animal. Go through and see our Mr. Hare; that’s his department.”

But to be serious again. A great deal of research (or searching) is obviously required when forming these subject collections; research, which is not philatelic and which cannot be readily conveyed to anyone. Philately has often been described as a minor science, and at least at one famous American university has gone so far as to institute a Chair of Philately, but when these so-called collections are formed the person concerned is missing all the finer points of philately. The leading philatelic societies are partly to blame for this sad state of affairs, as they have been featuring these displays.

I can almost hear voices saying, “But they are the most popular displays at our societies’ meetings.” (Actually I’ve heard that started many times.) All right, supposing they are popular, doesn’t that strengthen my argument that this type of collecting has taken a firm hold on collectors? Even confirmed specialists sit through these displays at society meetings and are content to tolerate them, but inwardly prefer to keep their own way of collecting and, in consequence, are hiding the light under a bushel.

Philately is certainly nearing the doldrums, and it is up to the advanced collector to see that the tyre is steered on to the correct course. Now I’ve started something, and it is up to the older collectors to add the philatelic salt I spoke of earlier. Let us “stop the rot” before philately stews. After all, it is such a grand hobby; so let us clean it all up. A strenuous effort by all is necessary; in fact, it is vital to Philately, as we know it, is to survive.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

From 1902-05, the British issued a set of twelve stamps portraying King Edward VII for their colony of Gambia (Scott #28-39). 6,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $227.00 .

I view this set as a conservative investment, based upon the the growth of interest in stamps of the British Commonwealth. Also, it's inexpensive and scarce enough that it's value would receive an additional boost should a significant stamp market develop in Gambia.

A nation of 1.7 million people, Gambia has a liberal, market-based economy characterized by traditional subsistence agriculture, a re-export trade built up around its ocean port, low import duties, minimal administrative procedures, a fluctuating exchange rate with no exchange controls, and a significant tourism industry. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 6% over the last 5 years.

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Sunday, August 19, 2012

From 1908 to '20, Antigua issued a handsome set of eight stamps picturing the seal of the colony (Scott #31-38). 6,240 sets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused set at $187.00 .

As the set was issued over twelve years, it is likely that many were used as postage and discarded. The set has dual multiple market appeal among collectors of British Commonwealth and British Caribbean. Of all of the regions of the British Commonwealth, the British Caribbean is the least popular among collectors, which is probably why the set is so inexpensive, given its scarcity.

A small island nation with about 85,000 inhabitants, Antigua is mainly reliant on tourism, and it markets itself as a luxury Caribbean escape. Annual GDP growth has been flat over the past 5 years, due to the effect of the global financial crisis.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

From 1903 to 1912, Gibraltar issued sets portraying Edward VII, including two with 1 pound high values: the 1903 set with Watermark 2 (Crown and CA), and a 1904-12 set with Watermark 3 (Multiple Crown and CA) on chalky paper (Scott #39-48 and 49-64, respectively). The high values of the sets have low printing quantities, as noted below:

I view either the complete sets or the individual high values as conservative investments.

Gibraltar remains a British overseas territory, with about 30,000 inhabitants. Gibraltar's economy is dominated by four main sectors – financial services, internet gaming, shipping and tourism, and while it is robust, the territory's population is probably too small to host a significant stamp collecting community. However, Gibraltar's stamps are popular among British Commonwealth collectors, and the better items should do well based upon the growth of that market.

Readers who are on Facebook are welcome to join the "StampSelectors" group, which focuses upon philatelic investing, the stamp market, and practical matters regarding buying and selling stamps. It also offers the opportunity to comment upon this blog and suggest future stamp investment tips.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

In 1885, the Portuguese issued a surcharged set of five stamps for Macao (Scott # 17-21). Scott '12 prices the unused set, issued without gum, at $916.00, and all of the stamps within it are undervalued, and may be purchased individually, unused or used, if complete sets are difficult to locate. I've listed the individual stamps, along with their quantities issued and Scott '12 values, below:

Surcharge and perf varieties exist for this set, and although quantities issued information doesn't exist for the varieties, it's reasonable to assume that those which catalog more than the basic stamps are considerably scarcer.

Given that this is an overprinted issue, it probably makes sense to purchase #19, 21, and some of the better varieties conditional on obtaining expertization.

I believe that these stamps have been ignored because they are obscure early surcharges. They were issued during a period in which Macao was not widely collected, and most of the stamps issued were probably used and discarded.

In my opinion, all of the better stamps of the European and other foreign Colonies/Possessions in China should be considered for investment, as they have dual markets both in their former home countries and in China.

In 1999, Macao became a special administrative district of the People's Republic of China. With a population of about 500,000, Macao's economy is dependent upon tourism, much of it geared toward gambling, although important secondary sectors include apparel manufacturing and financial services. Annual GDP growth has been high, averaging over 9% over the last 7 years. The fact that much of Macao's economic growth has been driven by a regional monopoly on gaming is a little worrisome, because obviously there is no guarantee that the People's Republic won't relax restrictions on gambling in the rest of China, allowing more competition. Nevertheless, I feel that certain scarce issues of this former colony are grossly undervalued, given the number of collectors who will be bidding for them.

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

The sheet makes an interesting and low-risk speculation based on its appeal as an Animal topical, and as a bet on the economic growth of Azerbaijan and the development of a stamp market there. This recommendation is consistent with my belief that one of the best ways to play the new and newly resurrected countries of Europe and Asia is to focus on popular topicals with low printings.

Azerbaijan is an oil-rich nation of about 9 million people, which also has significant reserves of natural gas and various minerals. Agriculture and tourism are also important to the Azerbaijani economy. The country shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. It has begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. Annual GDP growth has averaged a stellar 16% over the last 5 years, largely based on the frenetic development of the country's oil wealth - an estimated 7 billion barrels of reserves.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

From 1936-44, Uruguay issued a set of 14 definitives portraying Jose Gervasio Artigas, the "Father of the Uruguayan Nation" (Scott #474-83C). Only 3,000 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $49.90 .

This set resembles two earlier sets of similar design (Scott #350-74 and 375-85), but may be distinguished by the differences in color, and because in the earlier sets, there were 7 dots in the panels below the portrait, whereas in the 1936-44 set, there are only 6.

As the set was issued over a period of about eight years and few Uruguayans of that period could afford to collect pricey stamps, it is likely that most of the sets were used as postage and discarded. I would not be surprised if fewer than 1,500 remain, in any condition.

With a population of about 3 1/2 million people, most of whom are of European or mixed descent, Uruguay has a stamp collecting population which will probably approach European levels in the years to come. Uruguay is one of the most economically developed, politically stable and least corrupt countries in Latin America, and is moving away from its dependence on agricultural exports and toward development of commercial technologies, especially software. Annual GDP growth has averaged a little over 3% over the last 5 years.

I have begun a new blog, "The Stamp Specialist", which will feature wholesale buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. It includes a buy list for Uruguay, and includes the set recommended in this article. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Niue is an island in the South Pacific with a population of about 1,400 people. Originally an independent kingdom, it was briefly a British Protectorate from 1900 to 1901, when it was annexed by New Zealand. Stamps of Niue were issued by New Zealand from 1902 to 1974, when Niueans opted for self-government.

During its administration, New Zealand issued four sets of high values for Niue by overprinting its postal-fiscal stamps, and all four sets are scarce and undervalued. The first set (Scott #30-34) is the scarcest. It was issued between 1918 and '23, utilizing the postal-fiscals of 1906-15. The second was a 1931-32 set (Scott #49-52) which was comprised of overprinted postal-fiscals of the 1931-32 issue. Two 1941-45 sets (Scott # 86-89 and #89A-89D) were issued and these were also overprints of 1931-32 stamps. The three similar-looking sets may be distinguished by differences in watermark and overprint types. Scott '12 prices the unused sets at $341.00,$ 150.00 , $525.00 ($725.- for NH), and $75.25 ($110.- for NH) , respectively, and the quantities issued were 1,200, 4,000, 3,760, and 7,600.

While the population of Niue is too low to sustain much of a stamp collecting population, there is significant demand for its stamps among collectors of British Commonwealth in general and New Zealand in particular, because the island still has strong links to that nation. These four sets may have additional appeal to Kiwi collectors because they're basically just overprinted New Zealand stamps.

New Zealand is a modern, prosperous nation of about 4.3 million people, with a GDP of $115 billion. Over the last 10 years, annual GDP growth has averaged about 3%. The economy was hurt by the recent global financial crisis, and is beginning to recover. In 2005, the World Bank praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly nation in the world. The nation has a stamp collecting demographic similar to Great Britain's, and the demand for better material should increase dramatically as population aging accelerates. The percentage of New Zealanders aged 60 and over will rise from 18% in 2009 to 29% in 2050.